MHCC Men’s Track & Field Hits Their Stride

Men’s head track and field coach Fernando Fantroy brings decades of experience, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to Mt. Hood Community College. He began coaching in the mid-1970s, starting in football and track at the high school, club and collegiate levels. Coach Fantroy retired after nearly two decades as a maintenance supervisor with Portland Parks and Recreation and is now the head coach of the MHCC program he helped build.

Coach Fantroy has been involved with Mt. Hood track and field for over a decade. He joined as a sprints and hurdles coach in 2014–15, after years of coaching at Gresham High School and running a small, purpose-driven club program called Dare to Dream. When longtime head coach Doug Bowman became ill, Coach Fantroy took on greater leadership responsibilities, later co-leading the program before assuming the head coaching role. His approach has remained consistent throughout: stay grounded, stay prepared, and put athletes first.

At the core of Coach Fantroy’s philosophy is a belief in process and development. MHCC Athletes have a wide range of backgrounds, goals and experience levels. His message stays simple — come as you are. Community college track is about growth, not labels or past results. Many of his athletes balance competition with demanding academic paths in nursing, dental hygiene, education, and other professions. Coach Fantroy sees the track as a place to build confidence, discipline, and balance that carry beyond competition.

MHCC’s role as a host site for major meets plays a key part in that growth. The campus regularly welcomes NWAC championships, USA Track & Field youth regional events, masters competitions, and large invitational meets. These events place MHCC athletes in high-level environments without leaving home, while also connecting the program to thousands of athletes, families, and coaches across the Northwest. Coach Fantroy often serves as both site supervisor and problem-solver to make sure every detail — from pits to hurdles — is ready to go.

Competing at home gives MHCC athletes a sense of comfort and ownership. They train on the same track where championships are decided, learn how meets operate behind the scenes, and take pride in representing their school. That familiarity builds confidence and sharpens performance.

Coach Fantroy’s background across event groups allows him to build a balanced program. He structures training around energy systems rather than one-size-fits-all workouts. Sprints, hurdles, distance, and field events each receive focused attention. Each event group works within its own pace while contributing to a larger flow. Every movement has its place, and when they come together, the session runs with purpose and clear direction. 

This year’s men’s team has a deep sense of shared effort. Athletes across events push one another, compete with confidence, and step up together when it matters. Athletes support one another, spend time together off the track, and take pride in their mutual commitment. 

Coach Fantroy credits the team's academic and athletic success to the consistent focus on classroom accountability. MHCC Athletics remains a regular contender for the NWAC Presidents Cup, which recognizes academic achievement across athletic programs.

Looking ahead, Coach Fantroy is energized by growing roster numbers and renewed momentum following the challenges of the pandemic years. Facility upgrades, including a resurfaced track and an indoor sprint lane beneath the stadium, have strengthened training opportunities and visibility for the program.

The public is invited to come see MHCC track and field in action. Meet schedules and updates are available through the Mt. Hood Community College athletics website at www.mhcc.edu/athletics/mens-track-field/. Fans can expect to see hard work, strong character, and athletes who represent their school and community with pride.